In the Wind. March 8, 2007

Ahoy JSCA Members:
Here is what’s “in the wind”, coming events and items of interest at the Jericho Sailing Centre, your ocean access community centre, for the week of March 8-14, 2007 and beyond:

Springing Forward Earlier Brings Increased Risk along with Opportunity
Daylight Savings Time arriving 3 weeks earlier than usual will provide evening recreational opportunities for many members as the sunset next week will be about 1900H. That’s good news for many evening boaters who might take the opportunity to launch their season earlier than usual. However, skippers must be aware that with increased opportunity comes increased risk. Changing Daylight Savings Time did not change the temperature of the water in March or the fact that there are fewer people and resources on the water at this time of year should you require assistance. It did not change the fact that skippers are responsible for their safety and that of their crew – that is a non-transferable, legal responsibility regardless of time or season. People who launch at this time of year must be experienced and possess the knowledge to help themselves in an emergency situation. They must be dressed and prepared not just for when things go right, but for when things go dramatically wrong. Sudden immersion in cold water of someone who is inappropriately dressed can induce cold water shock and their situation can quickly deteriorate from there…..

English Bay Safety Seminar April 2 @ 1900H
The English Bay Safety Seminar is a two hour program specifically designed to give JSCA members the information they need to play safe on the waters adjacent to the Jericho Sailing Centre. Safety information regarding Personal; Equipment and Environment considerations are drawn right out of 33 years of Jericho Rescue Log entries. Learning from your own mistakes is good, learning from the mistakes of others is much better. As part of the JSCA’s commitment to water safety this program is FREE to all, lubbers and members alike, and highly recommended to new mariners.
RSVP JSCA office.

Volunteer for the JSCA in March and You Could Win a Mustang Inflatable PFD
Jericho Sailing Centre Annual Spring Compound Clean-up will be held over for one more weekend. We still have room in the garbage bin and as an incentive to get more members pitching in we’ll sweeten the pot. JSCA members who participate in a JSCA volunteer work party in March will have their name entered in a draw to win a deluxe Mustang Survival Inflatable PFD (Retail value: $300). Each day you volunteer you will be registered and entered into the draw and we’ll draw the winning member’s name on April 1. Thanks to Andy Hunt who came out this past weekend and is already entered in the draw.

Upcoming Volunteer Workparties-Start times @ 1000H
March 10 & 11 Annual Spring Compound Clean-up II /Boat Rack Repairs/ Telephone Weather Station upgrade/Interior Decorating.
March 17 & 18 Painting Projects/Rack Building
March 24 & 25 Albatross Painting

JSCA 2007 Membership Fees Due April 1
Please make sure that your 2007 JSCA Membership and Storage fees are paid on time. If you pay after April 1 you’ll be paying a $30 penalty and could lose your spot to someone who paid on time. The penalty will be increased to $60 on May 1 and $90 on June 1. The annual JSCA Bailiff Auction is scheduled for Saturday, July 7 at Noon.

Already Paid Your 2007 JSCA Fees?
Bring Your Member Card in & we’ll update it to 2007

Want to Become a Professional Sailing Instructor?
BC Sailing will be conducting Canadian Yachting Association Learn To Sail Instructor Clinics at the Jericho Sailing Centre during Spring Break in March. LTS Technical Level 1 will be conducted March 18-20 with Level 2 going March 22-24. Each course will set you back $255 but it’s a great way to earn a living. To register or for further information contact Nancy Chow at (604) 737-3126 or via email at crew@bcsailing.bc.ca . MacSailing and the Disabled Sailing Association of BC are currently looking for CYA Certified instructors to work at the Jericho Sailing Centre this summer.

Diva on the Run
The Jericho Sailing Centre welcomes back the `Diva on the Run` for the 5th year on Sunday, March 18. This is an 8K run for women only in a fun, safe and non-intimidating race environment, is ideal for the first event runner and is also walking friendly. Leave your sea legs at home! For more information and to register skip over to www.reflexionclinics.com/races/divaontherun.htm

Upcoming Events at the Jericho Sailing Centre
CYA LTS Instructor Clinic Level 1 March 18-20
CYA LTS Instructor Clinic Level 2 March 22-24
Diva on the Run March 18
Galley Open Full Time April 1
Penguin Cup Racing April 15
Flights of Spring Regatta April 21 & 22
Earth Day Weekend April 21 & 22
Jericho Rescue Team Training Course April 28 & 29

JSCA Programmes Committee Meeting April 18 @ 1900
On the agenda for the next JSCA Programmes Committee Meeting will be the planning for the “2007 Complete Crew BBQ”. The first event last year was JSCA President, Brian Key’s idea to bring JSCA members together for a BBQ social at sea level. Members were able to purchase burgers, dogs, salads, refreshments, etc. from us or bring their own to slap on the Bar-B. Approximately 100 members attended on a beautiful summer evening and a good time was had by all-especially our awesome volunteer crew. Come to the meeting, help us plan a better event for this year.

Fair winds,
Mike

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